Sara Fox

Sara Marie (Groth/Huddle) Fox, our beloved mother, whose journey began in Ames, Iowa, leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories. She was born on April 26, 1943, in Ames, Iowa, to James and Doris (Sandstrom) Groth. Growing up there, she developed a deep love for animals before moving to Walker, Minnesota, where she attended high school.

In 1958, she was united in marriage to Roy Huddle, and together they owned and operated a family resort. Later, she returned to Iowa and, in 1976, married Bill Fox. The couple built their home together with their own hands, creating a place filled with love and lasting memories.

She was the devoted mother of four daughters, each a testament to her enduring strength and compassion. Her daughters were blessed by her guidance, wisdom, and warmth. Her role as a mother spanned two marriages, enriching her family with unique traditions and experiences. Throughout her life, she embraced both Iowa and Minnesota, instilling in her children a sense of home in both states.

Her legacy will live on through her daughters and the many lives she touched. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her ability to adapt and flourish, her spirit, and her deep commitment to community service. Sara was proud to have been the first and only female Mayor of Kiron and worked at Farmland Foods (Smithfield) for many years before later working at Quik Mart in Kiron. She also had a spirit of adventure, holding a pilot’s license and a Coast Guard license, and she especially enjoyed traveling and visiting national parks.

Sara passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Gracewell Nursing Home in Denison, having attained the age of 82 years, 11 months and 18 days.

In addition to her parents, James and Doris Groth, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Fox; her brother, Jim Groth; and her sisters-in-law, Mary Fox and Harriet Edwards; nieces, Tina Groth Peterson and Diann Kolp Dudley; and nephew, Jeff Winter.

She is survived by her daughters, Jamie (Josh) Hamblen of Rogers, AR; Tracy (Kyle) Perlich of Whipholt, MN; Kim (Brian) Hanson of Odebolt, IA; and Tammy (Mike) McGee of Maple Grove, MN; sister Martha Winter of Walker, MN; brother-in-law, Harvey Fox of Whipholt, MN; and 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Walker, Minnesota, later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kiron Fire Department, 101 S. Grove St., P.O. Box 100, Kiron, IA 51448; or Gracewell Nursing Home, 114 S. 20th St., Denison, IA 51442.